10 apr. 2010

In a controversial move, the European Commission yesterday (2 March) gave the green light for the first genetically-modified potato to be cultivated in the European Union.

The EU executive authorised the cultivation in the EU of Amflora, a genetically-modified potato developed by German chemical company BASF,

The move marked the bloc's first GM cultivation approval in 12 years.

BASF plans to begin cultivating Amflora this year on 250 hectares in the Czech Republic, Sweden and Germany. The firm said it expected peak license fees of about 20-30 million euros ($27-40.6 million) per annum.

The EU executive also approved three genetically-modified maize types made by US biotech firm Monsanto for food and feed uses and import and processing in the European Union.

German Green MEP Martin Häusling, a member of the European Parliament's agriculture committee, commented: "I am shocked that Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner John Dalli has only needed weeks in his new position to show such flagrant support for industry interests ahead of his own portfolio. His decision to authorise the Amflora potato variety flies in the face of the 70% of consumers who are against GM food, as well as the anti-GM position of the European Parliament."